“I think it's a great way to get out and have a fun and relaxing time,” said Wendy Douglas, executive director of the Carthage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “It's a great opportunity to enjoy the historic Square with the family on Saturday, or have a nice evening out with your spouse on Friday.”

Douglas said her favored part of the art walk is the photography, but local art-lovers will be able to choose from pottery to acrylic paintings, from fine leather to customized portraits made on the spot. This year's featured artist is Sean Fitzgibbon with his mixed media paintings in the UMB Bank. Coordinating with Fitzgibbon's art, and making a fun atmosphere for the kidos on Saturday, the theme of the art walk is “Comics & Graphic Arts.” The first 50 youngsters at the Children's Art Gallery, at the Jasper County Annex II, will receive free super hero capes. Also, there will be story time every hour on Saturday.

For the Friday evening portion of the art walk, the event is more adult-friendly, with wine tasting booths in several venues, and live music. Those attending are encouraged to visit Fitzgibbon's exhibit in the UMB Bank and the City Hall for both art and music. On Friday only, food vendors and live music will fill the Sassy Spoon.

If the family gets hungry on Saturday, two options are to try the new Bistro inside the Mom & Pop Shop; or just a few doors down, there's the classic Carthage Deli.

In conjunction with the art walk, the congregation at the First Baptist Church has prepared an event with arts and crafts; the church will have its doors open 5-8 p.m. Friday and from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. Here would be a good place to use the restroom before making the journey to the Square.